Hair fastener



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United States Patent 3,452,760 HAIR FASTENER Lnetta F. Koepke, 980 Eulalia Road NE., Atlanta, Ga. 30319 Filed Oct. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 501,879 Int. Cl. A45d 8/40 US. Cl. 13211 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A hair fastener for gathering hair together at the back of a ladys head including a curved comb with a concave base, a flexible cover having inner and outer flaps with one edge attached directly to the concave base of the comb in such a manner that the edges of the flaps assume the curvature of the base of the comb, and the flexibility of the flaps tends to dispose the flaps in a direction generally parallel to the teeth of the comb, yet allows the flaps to be pivoted away from the teeth of the comb.

Quite frequently a lady finds it inconvenient to take time enough to roll her hair up in curlers to make it attractive before attending some event, or merely leaving the house. A lady is most conscious of this problem following some event or condition which caused her hair to be in a state of special disarray so that even some time might be required to perform the simplest of grooming requirements. In these situations the lady would be most delighted to be able to slip an attractive, simple and functional hair fastener into her hair which would cause her hair to appear well groomed, fashionable, and would not require the effort and time of rolling and setting the hair.

Accordingly, the object of this invention is to provide a hair fastener for gathering and fastening the hair of a ladys head and covering the gathering hair with an attractive material.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hair fastener for attractively fastening the hair of a girls or ladys head in an expedient, simple, and fashionable manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hair fastener for gathering a ladys hair, which is in construction, durable and lasting, and well designed to meet the economics of manufacture.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hair fastener which has been placed in position so that it gathers and fastens a ladys hair at the back of her head.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair fastener show ing the inner and outer covers thereof folded away fro-m the comb portion.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hair fastener with its inner and outer covers folded toward its comb.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hair fastener, similar to FIG. 3, but showing the hair fastener in position at the back of the ladys head.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the hair fastener, showing the hair fastener in place at the back of the ladys head with the outer cover folded down.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the hair fastener, in position at the back of the ladys head, with the outer cover folded up.

FIG. 7 is a detail view, in cross section, of the hair fastener, showing the method in which the inner and outer covers are attached to the comb.

3,452,760 Patented July 1, 1969 FIG. 8 is a detail view in cross section, of the hair fastener, similar to FIG. 7, but showing a comb with an apertured base portion.

FIG. 9 is a detail view, in cross section, of the hair fastener, similar to FIGS. 7 and 8, but showing a onepiece construction.

FIG. 10 is a detail view in cross section, similar to FIG. 7, but showing the covers being laminated to the base portion of the comb.

FIG. 11 is a detail view, in cross section, similar to FIG. 9, but showing a tail portion connected to the base portion of the comb.

FIG. 12 is a detail view, in cross section, similar to FIG. 7, but showing a one-piece cover.

FIG. 13 is a detail view, in cross section, similar to FIG. 11, but showing a double-flap tail piece.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing, in which like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, the hair fastener 10 comprises a comb 12, an inner cover 13, and an outer cover 14. The comb 12 is generally of a standard configuration, having a curved base portion 15 and a plurality of teeth 16 extending in one direction from the base portion. The curved base portion 15, and its teeth 16 have a radius of curvature such that the comb 12 of the hair fastener 10 substantially conforms with the curvature of a ladys head.

The inner and outer covers 13 and 14, respectively, are semicircular in shape, having their straight edges 18 and 19 juxtaposed each other and the curved base portion 15 of the comb 12. The straight edge of the inner cover 13 is of a length approximately equal to the length of the curved base portion 15' of the comb 12, while the straight edge 19 of the outer cover 14 is longer than the curved base portion 15 of the comb 12. Of course, the outer cover 14 is of a larger size than the inner cover 13.

The straight edges 18 and 19 of the inner and outer covers 13 and 14 are attached to the curved base portion 15 of the comb 12 by sewing the straight edges 18 and 19 flat against the curved base portion 15 as is shown in FIG. 7, wherein threads 20 are wrapped around the curved base portion 15 and inserted through the inner and outer covers 13 and 14, near their straight edges 18 and 19. The threads 20 are threaded between the teeth 16 of the comb so that the inner and outer covers 13 and 14 are prevented from moving longitudinally of the base portion 15.

The inner and outer covers 13 and 14 are formed of a material that is flexible so that they can be folded away from the comb 12; however, the material should be of a thickness and stiffness such as that it would normally remain in the positions shown in FIG. 1. If desired, the portions of the inner and outer covers 13 and 14 adjacent comb 12 may be relatively flexible while the remaining portions of the covers may be rigid.

Since the straight edges 18 and 19 of the covers are sewn flat against thecurved base portion 15 of the comb 12, it can be seen that the inner and outer covers will also be curved to conform substantially to the curvature of the comb 12. Also, the inner and outer covers 13 and 14 are formed substantially in a cup shape or concave configuration so that a space 21 is maintained between the inner cover 13 and the teeth 16 of the comb 12. Formation of the inner and outer cover portions in this manner causes their upper edges 22 and 23 to curve back toward the points of the teeth 16.

The sewing of the edges 18 and 19 of the covers to the curved base portion 15 of the comb, and the concave configuration of the inner and outer covers 13 and 14 causes the covers to tend to remain in their normal position; viz., folded substantially parallel to the comb 12.

When the inner and outer covers 13 and 14 are pulled away from the comb 12 they tend to spring back toward the comb unless, of course, they are pulled away a distance so that they extend from the curved base portion 15 in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the teeth 16, as shown in FIG. 2. When the covers are pulled away from the comb in this manner, the curvature of their edges 18 and 19 tends to maintain them in this position. Of course, the outer cover 14 could be pulled down and maintained in this position while the inner cover 13 remained in its normal position.

Operation When using the hair fastener, the lady combs her hair straight back toward the back or top of her head in a manner usually utilized to form a pony-tail or bun. The covers 13 and 14 are opened, or folded away from the comb 12 and the teeth 16 are then positioned parallel to the nape of the neck, extending upwardly, and moved up the back of the head so that the teeth are inserted into the hair, or the teeth of the comb may be positioned across the head to grip the hair. The hair is then folded into the space 21 on top of the comb and the inner cover 13 is then folded over the hair to contain the hair in the space 21. A plurality of bobby-pins 24 are then inserted through the inner cover 13 at various angles, gripping the inner cover portion and portions of the hair, to attach the inner cover portion securely to the hair in the space 21. With this arrangement, the teeth 16 of the comb 12 gather the hair toward the back of the ladys head, the inner cover portion and the bobby-pins hold the hair in place and prevent it from slipping back between the teeth 16 and prevent the hair fastener from falling out of the hair.

After a sufficient number of bobby-pins have been inserted through the inner cover, it can be seen that the presence of the plurality of bobby-pins might be considered unsightly. Accordingly, the outer cover 14 is folded up parallel to the inner cover 13 and the comb 12 to hide them from sight. Of course, the outer cover portion 14 tends to remain in its folded position without support; however, in some instances it might be desirable to insert a few bobby-pins through the outer cover to insure that it remains in its proper position.

It can be seen that proper placement of the hair fastener through the hair at the back of the ladys head is aided by the fact that the inner and outer covers tend to remain either in their open position, that is folded away from the comb 12, or in their closed position, or in their position parallel to the comb. This enables the lady to open both covers, insert the comb in her hair, fold up the inner cover and pin it in place without interference from the outer cover, and then fold up the outer cover.

FIGS. 7-12 indicate that the covers can be attached to the comb portion in various manners that are both convenient and economical. For instance, as is shown in FIG. 8, instead of sewing the covers to the base portion 15 by inserting the threads between the teeth 16 of the comb 12, a series of apertures 25 can be formed along the length of the base portion 15 of the comb 12 and the threads 20 threaded therethrough instead of between the teeth 16. This arrangement has the advantage of removing the threads from between the teeth 16 where they might become tangled with the hair and cause some minor discomfort to the wearer.

FIG. 9 shows an arrangement where the comb 12 and the inner and outer covers 13 and 14 are integrally formed. With this arrangement, of course, the hair fastener would be entirely of a uniform material, such as plastic, with the comb being of a thickness to insure rigidity and the covers of a thickness to insure flexibility.

FIG. 10 shows the inner and outer covers being laminated to the comb so that they can be formed of plastics varying in quality from the comb, yet no sewing, stapling, or other fastening methods are required,

FIG. 11 shows a form of the invention wherein a tail piece 27 is attached to the curved base portion 15 so that it extends from the base portion in a direction opposite to the teeth 16. The tail piece is of a length approximately equal to the length of the base portion 15 and its function is to hide a portion of the ladys neck below the base portion 15.

FIG. 13 shows a cover having enlarged tail pieces 27a and 2712 that are, effectively, extensions of the inner arid outer covers 13 and 14. The tail pieces 27a and 27b can be positioned downwardly of the comb or the comb can be positioned with the teeth extending in a horizontal direction and the tail pieces pinned to the hair.

The inner and outer covers 13 and 14 and the tail piece 27 are formed from a material that is attractive in appearance and which can be pierced with fastening means, such as bobby-pins. While the covers have been disclosed as being plastic, it should be understood that various other materials can be utilized; for instance, nylon, wire mesh, linen, or any other fabric suitable to be worn in the hair. Also, more than one layer of material can be utilized in the covers to give a smooth appearance or to add to the thickness and stiffness of the covers. The material should preferably have enough elasticity to bend as required, that it retain enough rigidity to retain its open or closed position, and that bobby-pins, or the like, can be inserted through the inner cover. The material can be of a color that is complimentary to the wearer and can be made to resemble crocheted lace, or the like. Also, while the hair fastener has been illustrated as having semicircular covers, it should be understood that its function would not be impaired by having covers of a different shape. For instance, the outer cover could be shaped to resemble a heart, the wings of a butterfly, or a bow. Since the outer cover is concave in shape it would tend to conform generally to the shape of the wearers head and no problems would be experienced in having the cover bend away from the head. Thus, the only significant consideration in sizing and forming an outer cover is that its main function is to cover the inner cover so that the bobby-pins will not show. In other words, the outer cover portion can take any shape that will not interfere with its ability to remain parallel to the comb.

While the invention has been disclosed as having the covers attached to the comb portion by either sewing, lamination, or by forming the pieces integrally. FIG. 12 shows the comb 12 being inserted through a rather close knit one-piece cover 29, having an inner portion 30 and an outer portion 31. The comb 12 merely has its teeth forced through the close knit material of the cover 29, and then having one-half of the cover folded around the curved base portion 15 to form the outer cover portion 29. Since the base portion 15 is curved, the fold 32 of the material also curves, which forces the inner and outer cover portions 30 and 31 to take a concave configuration. Accordingly, it can be seen that the basic features of the invention are maintained with this arrangement while the combs and covers of various hair fasteners can be readily interchanged with each other as the wearer desires.

While the hair fastener has been disclosed as being placed in position with the use of bobby-pins, or the like, it should be understood that hair pins, hair clamps, barrettes, or even combs can be utilized in fastening the inner cover to the hair since the inner cover and its fastening means will be covered by the outer cover.

Furthermore, while the hair fastener has been shown as having a comb as its main hair gripping means, it should be understood that a bar, barrette, or clip might also be successfully utilized. Also, loops might be formed in the cover material to aid in fastening the cover to the hair, or an adhesive material might also be utilized. Of course, the cover may comprise one layer or several years, in any decorative arrangement.

Thus, an unusually useful, versatile, durable and convenient hair fastener is provided which is economical to manufacture and stylish in design.

What is claimed as invention is:

1. A hair fastener of the type adapted to be worn on a ladys head comprising a curved comb and a cover, said comb including a curved base portion with a plurality of teeth extending therefrom generally parallel to each other, said cover being formed of a flexible material and having inner and outer flaps each having one substantially straight edge attached directly to said curved base portion of said comb in such a manner that said edges assume the curvature of the curved base portion of the comb and the flexibility of said inner and outer flaps of said cover tends to dispose said cover inner and outer flaps in a predetermined position with respect to the teeth of said comb.

2. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer flap of said cover is larger than said inner flap.

3. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover is formed of an open weave material.

4. A hair fastener comprising a curved comb including a concave base portion and a plurality of teeth extending generally parallel to one another and connected to said base portion, a cover fabricated of flexible material and having inner and outer flaps each having one edge attached directly to said concave base portion of the comb by thread passing through each of said inner and outer flaps of said cover near their edges, around said base portion and between the teeth of said comb in such a manner that said edges of the flaps assume the curvature of the concave base portion of the comb and the flexibility of the inner and outer flaps tends to dispose said flaps in a predetermined position with respect to the teeth of the comb.

5. A hair fastener comprising a curved comb including a concave base portion and a plurality of teeth extending generally parallel to one another and connected to said base portion, a cover fabricated of flexible material and having inner and outer flaps each having one edge attached directly to said concave base portion of the comb by thread passed through each of said inner and outer flaps of said cover near their edges and through the base portion of said comb in such a manner that said edges of the flaps assume the curvature of the concave base portion of the comb and the flexibility of the inner and outer flaps tends to dispose said flaps in a predetermined position with respect to the teeth of the comb.

6. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover is attached to said comb by the substantially straight edges of its inner and outer flaps being directly laminated to said base portion of said comb.

7. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover and said comb are formed as a single piece of uniform material.

8. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1 and further including a tail piece connected at one of its edges to the curved base portion of said comb and the substantially straight edge of said inner and outer flaps of said cover and extending in a direction generally opposite from the direction the teeth of said comb extend from its curved base portion.

9. A hair fastener as claim in claim 1 wherein said cover is formed as a single piece of material.

10. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover is formed in two pieces of material.

11. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inner and outer flaps of said cover are concave in shape and define a space between said inner flap and the teeth of said comb.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 129,441 7/1872 Warring 132-l44 959,712 5/1910 Burke 132-48 1,595,595 8/1926 Bonat et al 132l05 F. BARRY SHAY, Primary Examiner.

JAMES W. MITCHELL, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 132l01 

